WTO issues 2019 Annual ReportWTO

The WTO’s Annual Report, published today (4 June), provides a comprehensive account of the organization’s activities in 2018 and early 2019. The Report opens with a message from Director-General Roberto Azevêdo and a brief overview of the year. This is followed by in-depth accounts of the WTO’s main areas of activity over the past 12 months.

In his opening message, DG Azevêdo says:

“Mounting trade tensions, an increase in trade-restrictive measures and continuing economic uncertainty created real challenges for world trade in 2018. These factors and a deceleration in overall economic activity slowed momentum in global trade, restricting merchandise trade growth to 3 per cent compared with 4.6 per cent in 2017. This downward trend is expected to continue in 2019, with trade projected to grow by just 2.6 per cent. If trade growth is to bounce back in 2020, it is vital we resolve tensions and create an environment where trade can play its full part in driving economic growth and reducing poverty.”

The Annual Report is available as a printed publication and can be freely downloaded. The French and Spanish editions will be published within the coming weeks.